We tackled another less-climbed ultra-prominent peak with an impressive 179 km of isolation. The rarity of climbs, based on Peakbagger reports, might suggest it’s not frequently visited—though locals could be the exception. Regardless, the hike is definitely worthwhile due to the stunning and diverse landscapes. The terrain offers a mix of different views and challenges….
Trip: 2024
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Uludaz
I land in Gaziantep after 3 a.m. By 4 a.m., Rob and I are at the airport—our third reunion on this trip. At 9 a.m., it’s not just Rob and me, but our car stopping near the summit of Uziantep, another ultra-prominent mountain in Turkey. We park a little lower, at one of the switchbacks….
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Kesis Dağı
After climbing Akbaba Tepesi, we realized Sabri, one of our drivers, wasn’t just good company—he’s also an avid hiker. He joined us on the ascent, slower but determined, earning a well-deserved pat on the back. On the way down, I asked if he’d drive us to Kessi Dagi the next morning before our flight. He…
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Akbaba Tepesi
Before climbing, we need acclimatization, so after a big climb, we need something opposite. We have three more days before our flight from Igdir. We mock up a plan, adding one more ultra-prominent peak to our itinerary. We drive to Erzincan, a city at the base of Akbaba Tepesi mountain. It’s a long drive, taking…
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Mount Ararat
If you’re on this page, you probably know about Mount Ararat. If not, don’t worry; it won’t stay a secret for long.. Mount Ararat, also known as Masis, Çiyayê Agirî, and Ağrı Dağı, is a snow-capped, dormant compound volcano. This mountain is quite the celebrity due to its impressive altitude, striking prominence, easy accessibility, and…
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Suphan Dağı
Suphan Dağı stands tall at over 4000 meters, with a prominence exceeding 2000 meters and an isolation of more than 150 kilometers. This mountain isn’t just interesting to climb; it’s practically irresistible. With its proximity to Mount Ararat, it’s the perfect candidate for an acclimatization climb. We’ve already had a taste of acclimatization on Kara…
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Mor Dağı
A previously unreported ultra-prominent peak in Turkey? That’s a gem we definitely want to bag. Recep confirms we can climb it without permits—though some local knowledge wouldn’t hurt. After our drive two days ago, we felt a bit stressed about reaching our preferred starting point, but Erdem assured us over the phone that we could…
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Kara Dağ
Two hours after takeoff from Istanbul, we touch down in Hakkâri-Yüksekova (YKO). A blast furnace greets us as we disembark; the desert heat radiating from the open aircraft doors. Despite the infernal conditions, the distant mountain range looks promising. Airport formalities are a breeze, and our guide for the trip, Recep, is waiting. Curiously, while…
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North America 2024
June is a fantastic month for mountaineering. While many Northern Hemisphere peaks are still covered in snow, the Intermountain West offers an ideal window to climb ultra-prominent summits. To make the most of this opportunity, I’m booking an affordable Lufthansa flight from Vilnius to Los Angeles. My goal is to ascend several of these impressive…
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Mount San Antonio
I intentionally kept this peak as a backup for the trip since it’s relatively close to the airport. If I run out of time, I can save it for next time—it’s not going anywhere. I woke up early, a bit south of Bishop, and drove towards the Mount San Antonio trailhead. It was a bit…
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Arc Dome
Arc Dome was on my to-do list last November, but too much snow and limited time got in the way. This time, I was determined to tackle it and add another ultra-prominent peak to my list. After finally hiking Arc Dome, I can say it’s a fantastic trek with lots of open space and stunning…
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Wheeler Peak
There are 455 peaks in the world with 300 km or more isolation, and Wheeler Peak is one of them. It boasts over 2000 meters of prominence, nearly reaching 4000 meters, and features on at least 60 different peak lists. That’s the reward you get after climbing this majestic peak. But wait, there’s more! It…
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North Schell Peak
Hurrying towards North Schell Peak, sunlight bounces off something in the distance. My brain screams “reflection,” but a nagging voice whispers, “roll down the window, buddy, is that thunder?” Turns out, the little voice was Einstein today. Another flash, then a rumble confirms it – storm’s brewing, maybe 6 km out by the sound of…
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Bonneville Salt Flats
Until today, I’d only seen the vastness of the salt flats on a flat TV screen. This experience had always piqued my curiosity – I yearned to see, feel, and truly understand these unique places. Today, that day finally came. On my way from Flat Top Mountain to North Schell Peak, I stopped at the…
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Flat Top Mountain
This peak wasn’t in my original plan. But again, I check my calendar, I check the map, and bang… I have time and there’s an unclimbed-by-me ultra-prominent peak in relative proximity. Such a coincidence. Of course, I find a way to the peak. At the trailhead, there’s a big parking area (no overnight stays mentioned…
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Pilot Peak
This peak is officially my favorite of the trip. It’s remote, has challenging access, and is wonderfully wild. No real trails mar its landscape. The views are captivating, and it’s just hard enough to remember yet easy enough to conquer in a day. By my standards, it’s almost ideal peak. Getting to the trailhead is…
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Mount Lewis
After an easy hike to Star Peak, I still have plenty of time and no plans for today. Consulting maps and satellite images, Mount Lewis looks like an easy target and is more or less on the way to Pilot Peak. Obviously, I head towards it and soon park on the unpaved roadside, not far…
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Star Peak
Waking up in Reno and drove a couple of hundred kilometers to the geothermal plant. I then turned right onto a reasonably good unpaved road, which soon became steep and then even steeper. A few sections really required a high-clearance 4WD car. Although it’s not impossible with a mini SUV (I switched to manual gear…
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Virginia Peak
Early afternoon, after a few hours’ drive from Mount Rose south of Reno, I approach Virginia Peak, northwest of Reno and near Pyramid Lake. It’s the second Ribu today. I drive up unpaved Microwave Rd., and the road name hilariously matches the warning sign at the top about potential radiation—maybe I’ll shine today like casino…
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Mount Rose
Checking the calendar and map of the peak I want to climb, it becomes obvious that I have a buffer day. Since I appreciate the price and comfort of the casino hotel in Reno, I decide to stay an extra night. I plan to bag two Ribus and spend the rest of the time catching…